h-BN nanosheet-modified Ag2WO4 nanocomposite for improved photocatalytic dye removal: Insights into catalyst stability and reusability

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)/Ag2WO4 nanocomposite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized using a simple wet chemical approach. Various spectroscopic, microscopic and gravimetric techniques were employed to examine the nanocomposite's structural, morphological, and optical properties. The catalyst showed excellent photocatalytic efficiency for degradation of Indigo Carmine (IC) dye under visible light irradiation with high catalyst stability and hence long reusability. A comprehensive evaluation and comparison of photocatalytic performance was accomplished where we examined the photocatalytic performance of several boron-nitride (BN-based) composites for their ability to degrade various pollutants. As a result, the composites demonstrated variable quantum yields (QY), space–time yields (SY), figures of merit (FOMs), and kinetic reaction rates. As a result of the efficient utilization of photons and effective promotion of photocatalytic reactions, the BN/Ag2WO4 nanocomposite exhibited the highest metrics performance values. A plausible reaction mechanism was also demonstrated.